Every day on Los Angeles streets, pedestrians face dangers they cant always control. A distracted driver on Sunset Boulevard, a delivery truck rolling through an intersection near UCLA Medical, a rideshare vehicle that didnt see you crossing at Cedars-Sinai. When a pedestrian accident happens, your life changes instantly. Attorney Big Al has recovered millions for injured pedestrians across Los Angeles and Southern California, and we know the path forward isnt obvious. This guide walks you through your rights, the legal process, and how to build a strong case.
What Counts as a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, a pedestrian accident occurs whenever someone on foot is struck by a motor vehicle or injured due to a drivers negligence. This includes:
- Vehicles striking you while youre lawfully crossing at an intersection or marked crosswalk.
- Drivers turning without checking for pedestrians in their path.
- Drivers hitting you while youre walking on a sidewalk due to negligent driving (speeding, texting, intoxication).
- Hit-and-run incidents where the driver flees the scene.
- Rideshare vehicles (Uber, Lyft) striking you because the driver wasnt paying attention.
- Delivery trucks and commercial vehicles causing pedestrian injuries.
Los Angeles County sees thousands of pedestrian accidents annually. The 405, 101, and 10 freeways have numerous intersecting surface streets where pedestrians and vehicles interact constantly. Neighborhoods like Downtown LA, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Long Beach record high pedestrian accident rates. California law gives you specific protections, and Big Al knows how to enforce them. If you need help from an experienced car accident lawyer near you, we are here.
Californias Pure Comparative Negligence Rule and Pedestrian Cases
California follows pure comparative negligence, which is crucial for pedestrian accident victims. Heres what that means: Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If a driver is 80% at fault and youre 20% at fault (you werent paying full attention crossing), you can recover 80% of your damages. You dont lose your right to compensation.
This rule protects pedestrians, but it also means insurance companies will try to blame you. Theyll claim you jaywalked, werent looking, or stepped into traffic carelessly. Their goal is to reduce what they pay. Thats where Attorney Big Al steps in. We investigate your case thoroughly, gather witness statements, analyze traffic camera footage, and build evidence showing the drivers negligence. We push back on liability attacks and maximize your recovery.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
If youre hit by a vehicle, your first priorities are safety and documentation. Heres what to do:
Get to safety and call 911. If youre on a busy street like the 405 on-ramp or near Cedars-Sinai, getting away from traffic is critical. Request a police report. Law enforcement will document the scene, interview the driver, and create an official record. Ask for the report number so you can retrieve it later.
Exchange information with the driver. Get their name, phone number, address, drivers license number, vehicle make/model, license plate, and insurance information. Dont discuss fault or apologize. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicle, your injuries, traffic signals, and any street hazards (potholes, broken crosswalk paint). Photograph the drivers vehicle from multiple angles.
Collect witness contact information. Anyone who saw the accident should provide their name and phone number. Witnesses are gold in pedestrian cases. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Some injuries (internal bleeding, spinal damage, concussions) show up hours or days later. A medical record created the day of the accident strengthens your case and documents your injuries.
Notify the drivers insurance company, but dont give a recorded statement or sign anything. Say, “I was injured in an accident involving your policyholder. Ill be consulting with an attorney before providing further information.” Save all medical records, bills, texts, and emails related to the accident.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles pedestrian accidents happen for predictable reasons. Understanding these helps you prove negligence:
- Distracted driving (texting, using navigation apps, eating, adjusting music).
- Speeding, especially on surface streets in high-pedestrian areas like Hollywood and Santa Monica.
- Running red lights and stop signs at intersections.
- Failing to yield at crosswalks (the number 1 cause of pedestrian accidents).
- Driving under the influence (DUI), common late-night on Sunset Boulevard and in Downtown LA.
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy.
- Poor visibility (nighttime accidents, rain, fog in LAs microclimates).
- Defective vehicles (brake failure, steering problems).
Calculating Your Damages After a Pedestrian Accident
If youre hit by a vehicle, you have the right to recover several types of damages:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, future medical care.
- Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering or attending medical appointments.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If the accident caused lasting injuries.
- Lost earning capacity: If you cant work the same job or earn the same income going forward.
California law allows you to recover these damages from the at-fault drivers insurance. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations in California
This is critical: California gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. After two years, your legal right to sue expires. You lose forever.
Working with Attorney Big Al immediately after a pedestrian accident protects your right to sue. We handle all communication with insurance companies, investigate thoroughly, and build your case within the statute of limitations. Waiting too long is a mistake victims cant undo.
Why Insurance Companies Undervalue Pedestrian Claims
Pedestrian accident victims often face aggressive pushback from insurance companies. Heres why:
Insurance companies are profit-driven. They want to pay you as little as possible. Pedestrians cant always prove their case easily. The drivers insurance will claim you were partially at fault, even if you had the right of way. Theyll say you werent watching, stepped into traffic suddenly, or violated traffic laws. Their adjusters are trained negotiators. Theyll offer a quick settlement (often 25-50% of your claims true value) hoping youll accept before understanding your injurys full impact.
Theyll argue pre-existing injuries. If you had any prior back, neck, or joint problems, theyll claim the accident “aggravated” a pre-existing condition and deserve minimal compensation. Big Al fights these tactics. We negotiate from evidence, not from fear. We demand full compensation for your injuries, your lost time, and your pain. If the insurance company wont offer fair value, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
How Attorney Big Al Builds Your Pedestrian Accident Case
When you hire Big Al, heres what happens:
We investigate the scene, interview witnesses, and obtain traffic camera footage. Many intersections near Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Medical, and throughout Los Angeles have traffic cameras. We request this footage from the city or local authorities. We review the police report and identify inconsistencies in the drivers statement. We obtain your complete medical records and build a medical narrative showing how the accident injured you. We consult with medical experts if needed to establish the connection between the accident and your injuries. We calculate your full damages, including future medical care and lost earning capacity. We demand compensation from the drivers insurance company, backed by evidence. If they refuse fair value, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
This process takes time, but it gets results. Big Al has recovered millions for pedestrian accident victims across Southern California. Explore our accident injury practice areas to learn more about how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
Can I recover damages if I was jaywalking?
Yes. Californias pure comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if you were partly at fault. However, jaywalking does reduce your percentage of recovery. Big Al will investigate whether the driver saw you and had time to avoid you, regardless of whether you jaywalked.
What if the driver was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage compensates you for injuries caused by uninsured drivers. If you dont have uninsured motorist coverage, Big Al can help you explore other recovery options.
How long does a pedestrian accident case take?
Cases range from 6 months (if the insurance company settles quickly) to 2-3 years (if we go to trial). Complex cases with serious injuries take longer. Well give you realistic timelines as we investigate.
Can I sue the city of Los Angeles if the accident was caused by a pothole or broken street?
Maybe. If a city street defect contributed to your injuries, you may have a claim against the city. However, California law requires you to file a notice of claim with the city government before filing a lawsuit. Big Al handles this process.
What if the pedestrian accident caused permanent injuries?
Permanent injuries significantly increase your claim value. Well work with medical experts to document your permanent disability, limitations on daily activities, and future medical needs. This evidence strengthens negotiations and jury appeals.
Should I post about the accident on social media?
No. Anything you post can be used against you. Insurance companies monitor social media to undermine injury claims. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or anything related to the case.
If youve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles or Southern California, dont wait. Contact Attorney Big Al today for a free consultation. We handle cases on contingency, and you pay nothing unless we recover damages for you. Call now or visit our home page to schedule your appointment.